Ag secretary testifies that bio-refineries are best opportunity for rural economic development
Monday, January 23, 2006 11:38 AM CST
MADISON - In testimony before the Senate Agriculture Committee, Rod Nilsestuen, secretary of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, said that ethanol bio-refineries are the key to opening a major new chapter in Wisconsin economic development. His remarks were part of a hearing held this week regarding Assembly Bill 15, the E-10 bill.
“Building more bio refineries in Wisconsin is likely to be as important as ethanol is to helping make Wisconsin more energy independent from the petroleum cartel,” he told the bi-partisan committee chaired by Senator Dan Kapanke (R-La Crosse). “The reason is these bio refineries can be the source of creating more and more new products. Anything made today from petroleum can be made from bio products.”
According to Nilsestuen, ethanol bio-refineries are one of the best opportunities for economic development for rural Wisconsin to come along in many years.
Wisconsin's strategy of making ethanol a value-added product for Wisconsin agriculture and an alternative fuel source has worked, he said. Three years ago the state had no ethanol plants, today there are four plants operating, two under construction and two more seeking permits to build.
He urged the committee to pass the E-10 bill and said Governor Doyle is waiting to sign it. “Let's start moving toward Wisconsin-based energy alternatives versus Middle Eastern oil.”
The E-10 blend requirement is the next logical step to make sure ethanol gets the foot hold it needs in the market to grow as an alternative to petroleum-based energy. “We need a more competitive energy market,” he said.
“Ethanol refineries will lead to even more economic opportunities,” he said, citing emerging multi-billion dollar markets for bio-plastics and bio-fabrics as well as renewable energy and fuel. “All this can be the spin off of bio-refineries,” he said.
After the committee votes, the bill is expected to move to the full Senate for consideration. |
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